The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1887-04-01
WHOLE NO. S5e
Chemistry in the High School.

A diploma from our high school admits
the holder To the State University without
an examination. Provision is also made
for those entering to take advanced stand
ing in any subject on examination.
What sciences should be taught in the
high schools OF the State are indicated in
the University calendar. As only three
subjects in the natural sciences are re-
quired for admission, it is evident that n
smaitcring of all the sciences is very much
out of place. The only thing insisted
upon is ihoroughness in the subjects
taught.
1t is the pride of the Owosso High
School that 1t has this year, through the
lberaliiy of the Board of Education, been
placed on an equal footing with the FORE
most high schools Of the State in the line
Of work done in chemistry. Among the
twenty seven schools whose diplomas arc
accepted at the University, only few
equal 1t in advantages offered in chemistry,
while it is surpassed by none.
1t mas been thought best to devote con
siderable attention to the subject of chem.
istry. because it is the foundation of all
other natural sciences, has more practi-
cal bearing, and is more exact and salts
factory in its results than any other science;
the materials and appliances are easily
obtained az moderate cost, and the ap
paratus is such that the pupils may be
safely trusted with it, and affords them a
great variety of work independent of the
condition Of the atmosphere or tempera
ture of the weather
1t deals with everyday objects and phe-
nomena OF nature, arouses spirit of in
quiry and Investigation; satisfies the in
herent disposition 10 analyze and synthe-
size, to tear 10 pieces and put together
again. 1t changes view of things that is
vague and frequently erroneous, to a
knowledge that is exact and profitable;
opens new fields for thought in dis
covery, invention and speculation, and is
the only study that will ever place agricul.
ture, the noblest industry, among the exact
sciences.
The following are some of the subjects
for consideration in the daily work of
the chemistry class: to detect impurities in
water, to detect impurities in the atmos-
phere, to detect adulterations and poisops
in food, to ascertain the origin, nature and
composition of the soil together with its
adaptions to certain kinds of vegetation, to
get clear conception of the chemical ac-
tion and reagents employed in the
various industries, C. e. calico printing,
bleaching, manufacture OF gun-powder,
glass, matches. dyes, paints. illuminating
gas, etc.
But more special attention is devoted 10
to analyzing inorganic substances. Pupils
arc expected to take such substances and by
process of analysis tell what II is, or TO tell
what any number Of substances are when
mixed together, e. g. If you should give a
pupil box containing sugar of lead. cal
omel, saltpetre, chloride of lime, epson
salts, copperas, blue vltriol, arsenic, etc., or
a box containing silver, lead, copper, iron,
magnesium, Tin, zinc, aluminium, ETC., he
should be able to tell you the name of each
substance in the box. Not only this, but
to get an idea of the amount of each sub
stance in the box.
The process of determining the quantity
of different substances in compound cr'-'
mixture is beyond the province OF
High School. but the method ofd&
this, which is one of the most wonderful
discoveries in science, may be- clearly
cemprehendcd by the pupil. NY. :
The Poverty Social" for the beneft of
the Amendment County Committee at
Hartwellville on Saturday evening last
netted 81, and large amount of fun.
Oberlin quartettc club at opera hall this
evening.
Revs. Bush and Platt, of Perry, arc
putting in what time they can on amend
ment meetings in school districts. Rev.
Kennedy speaks at his appointments on
the issue.
Rev. Thos. Stalker spoke at Port Huron
on Tuesday evening"